There are many things you don't like to deal with after a long day in the office, but a bug-infested house is probably at the top of the list!

Flyscreens can help you make sure your house stays pest-free, even when you like to crack a window open and let some fresh air in every once in a while. What kinds of flyscreens are available, and which one is right for you?

Keep reading for the ultimate guide to the types of flyscreens, from retractable flyscreens to magnetic flyscreens. This helpful guide will tell you how to use flyscreens and the benefits of installing flyscreens in your home.

3 Types of Flyscreens

To know which flyscreen will be best suited for your home, you need to know about the types of flyscreens available and the functions they serve.

Retractable Flyscreens

Retractable flyscreens are the best options for large openings, like french doors, bi-fold doors, and large windows. Retractable fly screens are versatile door solutions, able to retract, so you don't obstruct your doors when opening, and can be drawn to create an unobstructed view from your window.

You can buy two kinds of retractable fly screens - smooth retractable fly screens and pleated retractable fly screens.

Smooth Retractable Screens

This kind of retractable fly screen rolls up into a cassette when closed, and you must pull it to open, just like a blind. The smooth retractable window screen offers insect protection without affecting visibility too much, as the screen only consists of one layer of wire mesh fabric. These screens are generally less pet-friendly, particularly for cats, as their claws may get trapped in the wire mesh, so opt for pet-friendly wire mesh

Pleated Retractable Screens

Pleated retracted screens retract in a different way to smooth retractable fly screens. Rather than sliding back into the cassette, the pleated retractable screen folds in the concertina fashion. The pleated screen acts as a sheer curtain, so the visibility isn't as straightforward as the smooth screen. A pleated flyscreen can offer you an added feeling of privacy in addition to insect protection. These retractable fly screens aren't recommended for cats, either.

Benefits of Retractable Flyscreens

The benefits of installing retractable fly screens in your home include:

• They can add protection from insects to even the most tricky spaces and doors. Your sliding doors, french doors, and bi-folding doors would be well suited to this kind of screen.
• They are made up of one piece of mesh, not individual panels that might obstruct the visibility and function of your large window and door areas.
• You can partially open it for when people frequently come in and out of the house.
• These flyscreens secure your doors, preventing bugs from entering without inconvenience.

Flyscreen Frames

This kind of flyscreen is fitted directly to your pre-existing window frames. They are generally simple metal frames with mesh flyscreen material extended over it. Once installed, these window screens aren't retractable but can be removed to clean the window frames behind them. This kind of flyscreen is easy to install and will enhance the protection of your windows from insects.

Benefits of Flyscreen Frames

Some benefits of installing flyscreen frames include:

• Insect protection.
• These screens can be removed easily for cleaning your window frames.
• Flyscreen frames are easy to install.

Magnetic Flyscreens

Magnetic flyscreens are tidy and streamlined and won't obstruct the view from your window. The flexible PVC frame allows you to lift the wire mesh to open your windows quickly. You don't have to have a metal window frame to use a magnetic fly screen, as magnetic screens attach to pre-laid magnetic strips on the window frame. So you can use the magnetic flyscreen on timber, PVC, wood, and metal window frames alike. This type of flyscreen is hassle-free and easily maintained.

Benefits of Magnetic Flyscreens

Some of the benefits of magnetic flyscreens include:

• Easy installation.
• The magnetic strips are compatible with all window types.
• They are tidy and streamlined.
• Easily removed for cleaning.

Types Of Wire Mesh For Flyscreens

Fibreglass 

Fibreglass mesh is the most common material for flyscreens, as the material is invulnerable to corrosion and rust and is stain-resistant. Fibreglass mesh tends to be black or charcoal in colour and is UV resistant.

Aluminium

Aluminium wire mesh for flyscreens is a common choice, especially in bush fire (BAL 29 or below) areas, as it is also resistant to environmental damage such as corrosion and rust. Though this material is less fragile than the fibreglass wire mesh, the material is prone to dents and creases over time that can prove quite tricky to remove.

Pet Screens

Want to protect your home from insects, but fear that your pets will instantly destroy your wire mesh with their paws? This wire mesh pet screen is tailored for use in homes with pets and is made from vinyl-coated polyester. This material is extremely tough, and the holes in pet screens are designed to be very fine to protect the screens from pet damage.

Stainless Steel

This material is required for households in areas that are in bushfire area (BAL40 or BALFZ) prone to bushfires, as stainless steel wire mesh isn't flammable. Alternatively a bronze mesh can be used in these bushfire zones.

Pool and Patio Flyscreen Mesh

This type of flyscreen mesh is designed to protect your pool and patio from insects while allowing the maximum amount of light in. Bodies of water attract insects, and this pool and patio mesh allows for your pool to stay pest-free without sacrificing light. Pool and patio mesh is designed to be both strong and to span larger areas up to 2.5m

Does the Weave of Wire Mesh Flyscreen Matter?

In addition to the material used, the weave of the wire mesh you choose for your flyscreen affects its function. The weave refers to the number of strands woven across each inch of the mesh. A micromesh obstructs visibility more but is better suited for those who live close to bodies of water where more protection from sandflies and tiny insects is necessary. A tighter weave offers the highest security for stopping bugs from entering the home.

Summary

When it comes to choosing a flyscreen, everything is not as simple as it seems. Several factors influence which fly screens are perfectly tailored to suit your window and door frames. You must consider style, material, and mesh density to decide which insect control screens will be most functional in your home. If this doesn't help, try seeking expert advice and calling Trade Warehouse today. Our team will be happy to offer their services and help customers make the right purchase from our product range for their individual needs.

FAQs

What is a flyscreen?

A flyscreen is a wire mesh applied to door frames and window frames to protect the household from pests like insects. Flyscreens come in many different materials, styles, and mesh densities that provide varying functions. For example, pet screens are made from robust vinyl-coated polyester with dense mesh to prevent the screen from being torn by claws and paws.

Can you put flyscreens on french doors?

Yes, you can put flyscreens on French doors. By opting for a retractable fly screen, you can install bug protection without sacrificing the functionality of your doors or obstructing your view.